Tour of the southeast
THIS weekend Wicklow RFC’s minis teams dispersed to locations across southeast Leinster for the annual SE festivals.
On Saturday the under-7s and under-8s headed to Wexford, the under-9s took the short journey down the road to Arklow and the under-10s travelled to New Ross.
The under-11s were in Carlow on Sunday morning, the under-12s played in Gorey and the under-10s and under12s girls were in Tullow.
After a long wet winter, the sun burst out in time for the weekend feast of rugby as the season begins to draw to a close.
The under-8s fielded two teams who took on teams from Gorey, Enniscorthy and the host club, Wexford Wanderers.
Both Wicklow teams had three very competitive matches cheered on by a large crowd of parents and supporters. With plenty of tries and great running rugby the kids had a great end to their season. This squad of players have made real progress this year and are looking forward to stage two of mini rugby next season.
The sun also shone in New Ross for the under-10s festival where two Wicklow RFC teams enjoyed some cracking rugby against teams from Tullow, Kilk- enny, Carlow, Wexford and Waterpark.
Both teams enjoyed three competitive games each and showed rucking and tackling skills off to great effect. The under-10s squad has really gelled well this year and will be looking forward to their last blitz before breaking for the summer.
Two teams of under-11s Wicklow teams were pooled with five clubs allowing for four matches each in Carlow.
There was a great standard of rugby on show with some excellent lines of running and direct rugby delivering some super tries. They enjoyed games against Tullamore, Enniscorthy, Carlow, Tullow, Wexford, Gorey and Waterpark. The coaches have observed the squad’s progression since the start of the season and players now look forward to the final festival of the season on May 5 in Naas.
Wicklow’s under-12s took to the field for what may be their last competitive matches as minis when they travelled to Gorey on Sunday morning for their South East Festival.
Determined to leave nothing on the pitch both teams gave each of their three matches everything they had and put in some stunning performances in their games against Tullow, Wexford, Carlow, Arklow, Gorey and Waterpark. As they prepare to graduate to youths’ rugby next season the huge commitment of their coaches over the last six years is clear to see in the players’ broad skillset and love of the game.
Wicklow RFC’s under-12 girls participated in their penultimate blitz of the season in Tullow this Sunday, playing matches against Naas, Tullow, and Enniscorthy.
The girls have developed great passing and running skills under the guidance of their fantastic coaching team this year, and these skills were all on display in intensely contested games.
The under-12s, some of whom will join the under-14s next season, are following in the footsteps of the older girls at Wicklow RFC, whose winning form has proven such an inspiration.